Follow the elephant on Lakeshore Drive - Move to defeat depression

Volunteers in the South Okanagan Similkameen are getting ready to walk in downtown Penticton.

Join us to create a caring community when a person is recovering from a mental illness.

Take part by signing up online at Penticton Defeat Depression 2016 to create and personalize your own fundraising profile page or make a donation. Our goal is to raise $3,000 or more. You will be able to sign up or donate at the event. Want to be sponsors please call 250-493-7338. This is a great opportunity to help break down the barrier of stigma, which is so often associated with mental illness, and get people talking about their mental well-being.

The Mental Wellness Centre (BCSS Penticton Branch) is organizing this event. When asked why she is participating in the Defeat Depression campaign, Sharon Evans Branch President said, “Martin House is our program for youth and young adults in recovery from a mental illness. The members are our children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews. Seventy to seventy-five percent of adults who have a mental illness had an onset before the age of 24. Donations to this event will fund Martin House for the South Okanagan Similkameen.

Defeat Depression is a national mental health awareness, anti-stigma and fundraising campaign that provides hope, raises awareness and reduces stigma for people affected by depression and other mood disorders. Across Canada, volunteers are organizing walks, runs and other physical and social activities to get people talking about and moving for mental health. Physical activities like walking and running, along with community engagement and social interaction, have a demonstrated positive effect on mental health.

OPINION This week’s report is a reminder that in a little over a month, April 30, the majority of Canadians need to complete and file their 2017 Canada Income Tax returns to avoid potential late penalties.